Homework for November - WET WETHERS.

[Maureen K Clifford]

WET WETHERS .. Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet



The paddock by the creek was full of wethers just off shears,
and shorn pregnant ewes all close to giving birth.
The day was hot as hades, though some rain clouds had appeared –
we perused them and discounted then their worth.
For this happened every day out here, you thought the rains might come
but the bloody clouds kept scudding by faster that galloping brums -
you might hear a roll of thunder like the sound of distant drums
but those rainclouds simply up and disappeared.

We were out on the verandah having lunch – a welcome break
when we heard and saw a distant lightening flash.
Twelve heads in stunned amazement turned - the sky began to quake
and peppered the roof with hailstones with a crash.
Then the waters poured from heaven with a cataclysmic roar,
and we knew we were in trouble like we’d never been before
as we all grabbed hats and oilskins and headed through the downpour
to try to muster sheep – a big mistake.

They were dropping now like flies – and we ran at fever pitch
heading for the trucks and utes fast as we could
Some blokes attached the trailers – just the simple tow ball hitch.
No need for lights and no time if we should.
Then all hands started loading sheep as fast as we could go,
the temperature was dropping and the wind began to blow
with a force so unexpected and as cold as if off snow.
We could see our profit margin in the ditch.

In the shearing shed we’d run out big round bales of lucerne hay.
Fresh fodder that we’d stored ready for feed.
But we had to get these woollies warm or lose them all we may
so right now that hay fulfilled a bigger need.
The young kids worked with rags and towels to dry the soaking skins
and fire drums were started to try and get some heat in
to where comatose sheep by the score were being carried in –
and covered in thick straw in sheep sick bay.

We were lucky, we only lost three – some farmers many more
‘twas a summer holiday kid’s won’t forget.
And we too learnt a lesson – keep the radio on for sure
as weather changes can become a major threat.
These days if we are shearing and the earthy smell of rain
permeates into our senses we are transported again
to what could have been disastrous and caused financial pain –
and driven us into the debtor’s maw.

It didn’t then, but sad to say ten years of drought hit hard.
The new owner’s running cattle now, not sheep in the old yard.

17.11.2024

[Ron]

Well done Maureen, really enjoyed the read!
I'm sure that a lot on the land would relate to that one,
A clever rhyming pattern and in the wordplay of the title too.
Cheers
Ron.

[Catherine Lee]

Oh yes, a great title - very clever. This iss just one example of the type of difficulties farmers go through that others wouldn't even imagine. I too enjoyed this read.

[Terry]

High Maureen
Yes as the others have already said very cleverly written.
Good story as well.

Summer storms can cause havoc especially if as often happens the temperature drops suddenly,
and heavily fleeced sheep can be at risk (put the shearing back a bit as well).

Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

Great use of the prompts, Maureen! Your muse is on fire!